What must be in a consultative report for SSD benefits?

For Georgia residents who are seeking Social Security disability benefits, it is sometimes necessary to have a consultative examination. While this has been discussed previously, there are certain factors that many people should be cognizant of as they go for the examination. The consultative examination is so the Social Security Administration and Disability Determination Services will have sufficient information to make a fair decision.

There is certain content that must be in the report issued by the consulting physician. Since the assessment by this physician is important to the case, the applicant must understand what is in this report. Having legal assistance is often helpful to ensure the case is decided upon in an aboveboard and fair manner. In the report, the basics are needed including the claimant’s Social Security number or another identifying document. There should be a physical description to make sure that the person being examined is the claimant.

There are certain requirements for the consultative examination when it comes to the format and detail in the claimant’s medical history, the physical examination, laboratory results, and the discussion of the conclusions the consulting doctor makes. It should have sufficient information so an independent reviewer can comprehend it in terms of the disability, its severity and how long it has been in place. Also important is the claimant’s ability to perform work activity. When the examiner formulates a conclusion, it must be consistent with the evidence.

Applicants seeking SSD benefits may be worried when they are asked to take a consultative examination with the fear that the case is going to be denied. That is not necessarily the case. All it means is that more information is needed to make an accurate decision based on the evidence. However, when there is a consultative examination, it is imperative that the claimant is protected from any mistakes or other issues that can hinder the claim. Having legal advice from the start of any application for Social Security disability benefits is a wise step, especially when there is a consultative examination.

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